New Orleans is nicknamed "The Big Easy" for its laid-back vibe and vibrant music culture that flows as freely as its jazz To understand why the nickname “The Birthplace of Jazz” persists, consider the following elements that still define the city’s musical rhythm: Origins rooted in street culture: Musicians played in Storyville brothels, funeral processions, and spontaneous second lines. An HBO series that focused on post-Katrina life through music and culture NCIS: New Orleans – A long-running crime drama infused with local flavor